Also known as the Rio Grande de Cagayan, it is the widest river in the Philippines, and the longest at 400 kilometers. 

It flows through Apayao, Aurora, Cagayan, Ifugao, Isabela, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. The basin is surrounded by the Sierra Madre, the Cordillera Central, the Caraballo-Maparang, and the Babuyan Channel.

Nourishing the earth

The river nourishes the valleys along the bank, where farmers grow produce such as bananas, citrus fruits, coconut, corn, rice, and tobacco. According to a study in 2005, the river provides irrigation for more than 200,000 hectares of rice fields and more than 130,000 hectares of cornfields. 

In 2017, Cagayan was dubbed the grains granary of the Philippines, and Isabela was called the corn capital of the country.

Tourist spot

The river plays another important role in the province: tourist attraction.

Over the years, it has become a favorite of tourists, who do everything from kayaking and river trailing to swimming and ferry touring at different points on its long stretch. Some parts even have bancarera, or boat racing, and a fluvial parade for the Lady of Piat is celebrated every July. 

For those unfamiliar, whitewater rafting is an activity when people navigate rough waters on an inflatable boat. It may look intimidating but it’s open to everyone, including beginners.

Today, there are five companies that offer rafting services at the Cagayan River, with courses ranging from beginner to extreme. All have been certified by the International Rafting Federation, and trained guides will accompany groups.

Any day is a good time to visit the Cagayan River, as there are rapids every 10 to 15 minutes.

Those who’d like a more relaxing ride down the river can try canoeing or river tubing. Tubing is exploring the river on an inflatable donut. River conditions may affect the experience, though. Calm waters mean a carefree ride, while rougher days may be more thrilling.

Cagayan River

Budget: A Siitan River tour package at Quirino is PHP 699 (USD 13.88) per person. This includes boat rental, river tubing, lunch, and a guide as company.

Contact: Provincial Tourism Office at Cabarroguis / +63 9174165945 / tourismquirino@yahoo.com

How to get there: Tuguegarao City is accessible by plane from Manila and other local airports.

Travel Safely!

Tourist destinations in Cagayan are ready for local travelers! Guests are required to wear a face mask and shield, practice social distancing, and regularly wash hands before dining in. These places have sanitary and contact tracing procedures such as registration and temperature check at the reception and using alcohol to sanitize hands before entering the premises. To know more about Cagayan, visit http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post Cagayan River: Lifeblood, Light Giver, Tourist Spot, and Home appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

Many might know Isabela as the “corn capital” of the country thanks to its expansive farmlands, but the second largest province in the Philippines in terms of land area is also home to a portion of the mountainous and heavily-forested Sierra Madre.

At the foothills of this mountain range in the province’s capital, Ilagan City, is a retreat that can easily be a go-to for tourists seeking nature and adventure in one trip—ILAGAN Sanctuary. 

Part of the 819-hectare Fuyot Springs National Park, a protected area, the 200-hectare reserve park made accessible to the public has always been, as its name implies, a sanctuary even for locals. 

“Noong bata ako, talagang virgin forest ang lugar na ‘to,” shares Raquel Cepeda, an Ilagan local and a tour guide of seven years. “Sinimulang i-develop ang area bilang atraksyon noong 2004. Eventually, sa dami ng naging projects, gumanda ang lugar at dumami ang mga turistang pumupunta noong 2009.” 

Immersive experiences 

Almost 20 years after the first development efforts, ILAGAN Sanctuary now offers almost every ecotourism activity imaginable. As Cepeda likes to put it, “all in one dito.”

As guests enter the place, they can immediately try wall climbing and rappelling (Php100) on a 50-feet constructed wall. That’s as high as a three-story building. 

Further up, a cable car (Php100) takes up to 4 guests to a nearby high hill with a viewing deck. Going back, they can choose to stay in the cable car or try one of ILAGAN Sanctuary’s star attractions—zipline (Php100).

This 350-meter long, 700-feet high zipline is currently the fastest in the Philippines, according to Cepeda. The ride, complete with a harness and helmet, takes less than a minute and ends just a few meters above the ground. 

After a thrilling start, guests can go on a tree top adventure. Here, they can walk on a hanging bridge with seven stations featuring endemic tree species. This leads to the Main Cave of the Santa Victoria Caves. The nearby Adventure Cave, Moon Cave, and Altar Cave, as well as an aviary full of different species of birds, are also open for exploration. 

Deeper into the sanctuary is a zoo aptly called Animal Kingdom where guests can see a variety of animals like tiger, wild boar, monkeys, and crocodiles. There’s even a 120-kilogram reticulated python that can be caressed or carried along with 10 or more people.

Horseback riding is also available, whether for picture taking (Php10/person), or riding within the horse trail (Php20/round), within the sanctuary (Php150/round), and going to the falls (Php250).

At the edge of the park, there’s a clearing for visitors who want to try driving an ATV (Php250/30 minutes) or riding a bike (Php100/hour). 

A trail is also open for guests to go on a 1.5-kilometer or half an hour hike with the assistance of a tour guide to Pinzal Falls. According to Cepeda, hikers can spend the rest of the day here to picnic or simply enjoy being surrounded by nature’s beauty. 

While there are concrete steps and handrails along the way, a stream must be crossed at one point so it’s recommended to wear appropriate footwear. 

After that, guests can cool down in a pool and swim for as long as they want. 

“Ang pool dito is running water kasi galing sa loob ng cave yung tubig,” Cepeda explains. “Walang chlorine. Natural talaga. Safe ang mga bisita kahit mainom nila ang tubig.”

Visitors can also try kayaking (Php100/30 minutes), and riding a bumper boat (Php100/10 minutes) and swan boat (Php200/30 minutes) in a man-made lake nearby. For kids, a paddle boat (Php50/30 minutes) can be rented.

Tour packages

With an entrance fee of Php100—for Ilagan locals, Php75—visitors can already enjoy most activities in the sanctuary. 

For those who have specific activity preferences, though, affordable packages are available. 

Package A (Php800) allows access to all rides, while Package B’s (Php450) inclusions are for the thrill-seekers: cable car, zipline, rappelling, wall climbing, and treetop adventure. 

Meanwhile, Package C (Php300) grants access to the sanctuary’s water activities: bumper boat, kayaking, kid-friendly paddle boat, swan boat, water ball, and zord ball. 

Other outdoor adventures like biking, horseback riding, and all terrain vehicles are part of Package D (Php300). 

There’s no need to worry about getting from one point to another within the sanctuary.  An adorable red train can take guests to and from wherever they want to go. 

Accommodations

When guests get tired of activities, they can choose to take breaks in any of the cottages available. 

For families or groups on a budget, a Native Kubo (Php1,000/night) should suffice. It’s a small space, which explains the use of a common comfort room. Nevertheless, it can accommodate up to four people. 

Visitors can also choose accommodations based on their chosen tour packages. The Couple’s Cottage – Duplex Type (Php2,500/night per room), for instance, is situated near the adventure activity areas. Each airconditioned room comes with its own living room and bathroom and can accommodate a pair or up to eight people 

The Family Cottage-Duplex Dorm Type (Php3,500/night per room), meanwhile, works for families or groups who come to Ilagan Sanctuary specifically for the water activities. Here, the air conditioned rooms have a living room, bathroom, wash area, and kitchen. It’s spacious enough to house 15 people, too.

For even larger groups, however, the Administration Building (Php5,000/day) which has two air conditioned rooms, each with living room, toilet, and bathroom, can accommodate up to 50 people. 

Regular check-in is 8 AM to 12 NN, while check out is 12 NN the next day. Extended stays (Php100/ additional hour) are allowed, along with bringing cooking utensils, beddings, and toiletries. 

Prayer Mountain

ILAGAN Sanctuary, with its serene views and peaceful surroundings, makes it a fitting location for places of worship, hence, the presence of a church for Catholics, a mosque for Muslims, and a temple for Chinese Buddhists in what is called the Prayer Mountain.

Recognizing diversity because “iba-iba ang mga residente ng Ilagan,” according to Cepeda, gave way to the construction of such structures.

Pre-pandemic, the tour guide adds that the place is frequented during Holy Week, where visitors go through all 14 Stations of the Cross and remember the passion of Jesus Christ, from being condemned to his entombment.

At the top of the hill, meanwhile, a giant cross awaits visitors, along with a panoramic view of the province’s famous corn fields and distant mountains. 

Keeping it clean

As an Ilagan local, Cepeda, the leader of ILAGAN Sanctuary’s tour guides, takes pride in their city’s ecotourism attraction, so much so that they assist tourists as volunteers. 

“Ang nangyayari ay kaming mga tour guides ang bahala sa guests pagdating nila at pagkatapos ng lahat, ‘yung mga guests naman ang bahala sa amin. Ang bayad sa amin ay kung magkano ang tip ng mga turista,” she says. “Bokasyon ito para sa akin, kahit wala kaming fixed na sahod. Masaya na ako kapag napapasaya ko ang mga bisita.”

The 41-year-old Department of Tourism-accredited guide is also particular about briefing visitors not only about the fun activities that await them, but also about cleanliness. All of the sanctuary’s 54 employees share the responsibility of maintaining the area’s best possible natural state, from the Prayer Mountain to the cottages. 

“Sinasabihan po namin sila na bawal po magkalat, especially plastic waste na pinagkainan,” she says. “Strictly ‘garbage in, garbage out’ dito.” 

How to get there

To get to ILAGAN Sanctuary, ride a Cauayan City-bound bus along Cubao or Buendia. Isabela’s capital is 400 kilometers away from Metro Manila, so land trips are typically 9-10 hours long. For faster travel time, book a one-hour flight to Cauayan airport.

From there, Cepeda suggests renting a car to go to Ilagan City in Isabela, which is an hour away. ILAGAN Sanctuary is another 20-minute drive away from the city proper’s famous Big Butaka, the current holder of the Guinness Book of World Record for the biggest armchair in the world. As an alternative, tricycle drivers agree to take visitors from the city center to the sanctuary for Php150-300. 

Make sure to contact and book a visit via the City of Ilagan Tourist Information and Assistance Center ahead of time before heading to ILAGAN Sanctuary. 

Download the Traze app and bring a vaccination card, too, as these are requirements in any airport terminal and when entering Isabela, respectively.

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operator in Isabela:

• Pink Diamond International Travel and Tours

pinkdiamondinternational@yahoo.com; http://pinkdiamondinternational.weebly.com/

For Department of Tourism-accredited accommodations, visit the official Cagayan Valley Tourism website, region2fun.ph. 

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Isabela have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post ILAGAN Sanctuary’s Ecotourism Activities Make Every Nature Lover’s Dream Trip Come True appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

When in Cagayan Valley, go on a spelunking adventure and explore these caves. 

Day 1

Callao Cave (Cagayan)

Located in the western foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain range, Callao Cave is one of the 300 found in the  barangays of  Penablanca. These caves are the reason why the town got its Spanish name which, when translated, means white rock.

In 1935, Callao Cave and the 192-hectare area surrounding it became a national park, one of the earliest in the country. Today, the cave, named after the Kalaw bird endemic to Sierra Madre, is part of the enlarged 118,000-hectare, present-day Penablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape (PPLS). 

Most recently, the National Museum officially declared the cave as an “important cultural property of the Philippines” for the exceptional cultural, artistic, and historical significance of the discoveries inside it. 

Stalactites, or icicle-shaped formation that hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites, or an upward-growing mound of mineral deposits are abundant inside the cave. 

It has seven chambers. The Aviary Room is home to the balinsasayaw or swiftlets. The Chapel, which is set up inside the cave, features a rock formation serving as the altar with a figure of Our Lady of St. Lourdes and a natural skylight illuminating the long wooden benches for mass attendees. 

The Dark Room, called such because it barely gets any light, is a chamber featuring flowstones, glittering dripstones, cave curtains, crystal helictites, and columns sparkling brightly in the dimly-lit portion of the cave. 

The Cream Room gets its name from a notable formation that resembles a melting ice cream made more visible through the cave’s second natural skylight. Other notable formations at the fourth chamber include what seems like the head of an elephant, a lighted candle, and a heart-shaped stalactite

The fifth chamber, called The Jungle, is teeming with plants while another natural skylight brightens up the area. There’s no shortage of interesting formations here, which includes a mushroom-shaped and coral reef-like stalagmites, and even a skeletal system’s skull, eyeball, nose, and mouth. Singapore’s famous Merlion figure has seemingly found its way inside Callao Cave, too, except there’s no water coming out of its mouth.  

Meanwhile the sixth and seventh chamber, called The Danger Zone and The Dead End, respectively, are now off-limits to visitors for safety. From the fifth chamber, however, the remaining two chambers feature more rock formations and patches of greenery.

Callao Cave’s significance, however, stems from the discovery of a previously unknown human species at the first chamber. Approximately 67,000 years old, Dr. Armand Mijares and a team from the University of the Philippines, unearthed seven teeth and six bones from the feet, hands and thigh of at least three individuals.

In 2019, it was confirmed to belong to a now extinct human subspecies. It was named after its discovery site: Homo luzonensis or Callao Man. 

In 2021, Mijares and the team found fossils yet again. This time, a previously unknown giant rodent called cloud rat or locally, buot or bugkon was discovered. Unlike rats typically seen in homes, these rodents are much like squirrels who live in trees and have tails that can grow to as long as 13 inches. 

These cloud rats are believed to have lived alongside Homo luzonensis, but two species went extinct 2,000 years ago.

The tour inside Callao Cave takes 45 minutes to an hour and costs Php50 for the entrance fee.

At present the Penablanca Protected Landscape and Seascape (PPLS), which is under the management of a Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Day 2

Santa Victoria Caves (Isabela)

Part of the 819-hectare Fuyot Springs National Park, a protected area, the Santa Victoria Caves are a series of limestone caves at the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. 

It is widely believed that nomadic Agta or Dumagat people occupied it in the past. 

Currently, exploring it is one of the many ecotourism activities offered at the Ilagan Sanctuary, which is a 200-hectare reserve park. 

Guests must go on a tree top adventure, which involves walking on a hanging bridge with seven stations featuring endemic tree species. This leads to the over 12 limestone caves that make up the Santa Victoria Caves. Three are currently open to visitors: Main Cave, Altar Cave and Adventure Cave. 

Inside these caves are various rock formations, which can be seen up close through relatively dry walk-through caverns, as well as a waterfall. 

Apart from an entrance fee (Php100), a vaccination card as proof of inoculation must be presented. 

Day 3

Aglipay Caves (Quirino)

Found within the hills and forests of Aglipay in the province of Quirino, Aglipay Caves is a network of eight limestone caves with a total of 37 interlinked chambers. 

Initially discovered in the 1970s, Aglipay Caves was opened as an eco-tourism destination in the 1980s. 

Today, six chambers are open to tourists and run as deep as 20 meters. 

A big cathedral-like chamber can be seen upon entry to the caves, revealing a variety of stalagmite, stalactite, and other limestone formations. 

Notable formations include a calcite structure that looks like the Banaue Rice Terraces, and a three-stalagmite tableau that resembles a wedding with a bride, a groom, and an officiating priest. 

Further into the cave, more rock formations can be seen, including those that resemble snakes and rollercoasters. There’s also an underground spring. 

Going deeper into the cave, the exploration becomes more challenging. Guests will have to duck, walk, crawl, and climb through muddy paths, and gaps as the spaces get tighter. Exiting the cave involves climbing up a slippery 26-rung ladder in dim light. 

Entrance and exploration of Aglipay Caves for an hour or so, depending on the guests’ pace. There is a Php25 entrance fee. The caves, along with the nearby campsite, spans 101 hectares overall.  

Day 4

Capisaan Cave (Nueva Vizcaya) 

Over 57 kilometers away from the provincial capital, Bayombong, the multi-chamber Capisaan Cave system is located at the Municipality of Kasibu, in a limestone-rich barangay of the same name.

Bat hunters were the early visitors of the cave but it was only in 1999, following an extensive exploration of the cave, when its potential as a spelunking destination was discovered. Capisaan Cave, with a total passage length of 4.2 kilometers, is the fifth longest cave system in the country.

With a total area of 1,515.96 hectares, Capisaan Cave houses rock formations that resemble curtains, solid waterfalls, pillars, columns, islands, castles, and even human figures. 

Two segments of the Capisaan Caves have been classified as Class I, which means that there are delicate and fragile geological formations in the area. 

This is also indicative of the cave’s threatened species, archeological and paleontological values, and extremely hazardous conditions. Mapping, photography, and educational and scientific purposes are its allowable uses. 

Another segment has been classified as Class II. These areas have sections with hazardous conditions and contain sensitive geological, biological, archeological, cultural, historical and biological values or high quality ecosystems. These are the areas open for experienced cavers or guided tours. 

The limestone cave is a karst, a type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock creates sinkholes, sinking streams, springs, and the like. Because of this, visitors can expect not-so-usual cave interiors once they begin the guided tour. 

“Caves are all uniquely beautiful,” says Jerry Laroso, the chief guide at Capisaan Cave. “Unlike Callao Cave, which is dry and terrestrial, Capisaan has a subterranean river inside.”

Capisaan has nine known entrances, including the main entrances Lion, Alayan, and Sabrina, and three others in Barangay Malukbo. 

These different cave openings are teeming with wildlife, too, including native and endemic species of plants and animals. There are a total of 91 plant species found in the said areas, 10 of which are endemic to the Philippines. 

Spiders, insects, and small crabs can be found thriving inside the cave. There are also snakes, frogs, lizards, and different kinds of fish, from orange carp and catfish to mudfish and wild guppy. 

There are at least four different bat species dwelling in various sections of the cave. Meanwhile, a total of 931 birds from 61 species were recorded, 36 of which are endemic while eight are threatened. 

As natural pollinators, both species are crucial in keeping the cave’s ecosystem thriving. 

Currently, however, only the halfway routes are open to tourists for safety purposes. 

Regardless of which route visitors will take, it’s a must to wear lightweight clothing that also covers the arms and legs to prevent scratches.

Guests can also bring their own but safety equipment is available for rent at Capisaan Cave: helmet (Php20), flashlight (Php30), life vest (Php30), and aqua shoes (Php30). 

There’s also an entrance fee (Php100) and guests are required to present a negative swab test result and follow all safety protocols.

Stay Here

For accommodations, visit the official Cagayan Valley Tourism website, region2fun.ph, for the list of DOT-Accredited enterprises. 

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operator in Region 2: 

• Isabela

Pink Diamond International Travel and Tours

pinkdiamondinternational@yahoo.com; http://pinkdiamondinternational.weebly.com/ 

• Quirino

Explore Quirino Travel and Tours

0916 635 9978; http://www.explorequirino.com/

• Nueva Vizcaya

Travelesque Tours 

book@travelesquetours.com; http://travelesqueph.wordpress.com/ 

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Cagayan Valley have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post Spelunking Paradise: Exploring Cagayan Valley Caves appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

The food locals love to eat and share are just as inviting as the region’s many attractions.

Here are all the dishes and snacks you should sample when in Cagayan Valley.

Patupat

At Bannawag Norte in Santiago, Isabela, a humble roadside shop called Bretania Organic Food Products sells a merienda favorite among locals—patupat.

Its owner, Jocelyn Bretania, wraps the glutinous rice in buri leaves, soaks it in water overnight, and cooks it in sugarcane juice to produce a naturally-sweetened snack.

Though the kakanin delicacy has different iterations in the northern region of the country, Bretania’s take on the rice-based delicacy guarantees the use of fresh sugarcane juice as the store is situated near a plantation.

“I, myself, used to plant sugarcane before,” Bretania says. “In 2006, however, I learned how to make patupat and began selling it.”

A bundle of 13 pieces of patupat retails for Php110.

Pancit Batil Patung

“You’ve never really traveled to Tuguegarao if you’ve never had pancit batil patung,” says Eric Lim, owner of Lokal Kanan + Pasalubong, a restaurant serving local dishes. “It’s easily the most iconic dish of the city.”

A spin on a Filipino food favorite, pancit batil patung features miki noodles with ground carabao beef or cara-beef, fried egg and other toppings, as well as a serving of  beaten egg dropped in beef broth called kaldo, hence the words patung (topping) and batil (to beat) in its name.

Both components of the dish should be present for optimal flavor, along with a side of chopped onions, soy sauce, chili, and vinegar sauce or calamansi to taste.

Panciterias often get experimental with the toppings to distinguish their version from others. They put any topping imaginable in what locals consume as a daily staple: balut or fertilized duck egg, chicharon bulaklak or crispy pork intestine, carajay or deep-fried pork belly slices, among many others.

Depending on the panciteria and choice of toppings, prices range from Php60 to Php150.

Sinanta 

As the unofficial pancit capital of Cagayan, it’s no surprise that Tuguegarao cooks more variety of the dish than anywhere in the province. Apart from pancit batil patung, they also have what is called sinanta.

The first to offer it on a daily basis, serving it just like any other local dish is, according to Lim, is Lokal Kanan + Pasalubong’s claim to fame.

“Its origins go way back, probably even before pancit batil patung but they don’t serve it at restaurants,” he says. “It’s because it’s typically eaten during wakes or funerals.”

The noodle soup dish features flat noodles, rice vermicelli noodles, dried shrimps, clams, and atsuete or annatto. According to Lim, it’s important that the two types of noodle be present in the dish because if not, “it’s not sinanta.”

“I would liken it to laksa,” he says. “It looks like laksa but instead of the soup being coconut milk-based, this one gets its flavor from seafood and its color from atsuete [or annatto].”

A bowl good for one person costs Php100.

Pawa 

The municipality of Piat in Cagayan may be famous among pilgrims for the century-old church and holy image of Our Lady of Piat, but it’s also home to an equally popular snack called pawa.

Its origins are unknown, but the root word of pawa is pau or bao in Chinese, which means “to wrap.”

True enough, the coin-sized sticky rice delicacy—typically consumed as a dessert or snack—hides sweetened peanuts inside. Its softness can be likened to mochi when still warm. To prepare, it is rolled into a ball, filled with sweet ground peanuts then steamed.

Pawa retails for Php 50 per 9-10 pieces and is taken home as pasalubong after a pilgrimage visit.

Birut

It’s called numerous names like bunog, talimuska, bukto, palileng, mori, udinga, or ipusan, but birut, as Tuguegarao locals call the goby fish, is another must-try when in Cagayan.

The small freshwater fish is black in color and can be cooked in a variety of ways: stewed in tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger and some vinegar; wrapped in banana leaves and steamed; or dipped in spiced flour and deep fried to a crunchy treat.

This dish is served for a limited time only, though. The best chance to try this is when it’s in season during the summer.

A serving good for two retails for Php 250.

LSB Buko Pie

While buko pie is not necessarily unique to Cagayan Valley, there’s a Nueva Vizcaya-based maker of this merienda favorite that’s worth trying.

LSB Restaurant and Buko Pie, located in Tuao North in the municipality of Bagabag, has a special take on the delicacy courtesy of a secret ingredient.

“The clue is in the milk,” says Menchie Dacanay, the restaurant’s owner. “There are different types of milk but there’s one that’s best for buko pie.”

Much of the coconut they use is also harvested in the provincial capital, Bayombong.

Each box containing a 400-gram buko pie retails for Php 100.

Inabraw

“This is an iconic Vizcayano dish,” says Jehan Damasco, head chef and co-owner of Nueva Vizcaya-based restaurant, Mrs. Baker’s, on inabraw. “Everybody here knows it and eats it.”

Also called dinengdeng or bulanglang in other parts of the country, inabraw is a vegetable soup dish with string beans, eggplant, okra, jute leaves and bitter gourd, flavored with fermented fish sauce then served with fried fish.

But ingredients for inabraw can be whatever vegetable is available.

“Whatever they want to put in the soup dish, they can. Locals have their own versions,” Damasco says. “Whatever was bought from the market or harvested from their backyard can be included.”

For every inabraw, bagoong or fermented fish sauce is key. At Mrs. Baker’s, Damasco and the rest of the kitchen staff make it more special than usual.

“What made our version special is we simmer our bagoong in fish bones, either fried or grilled, to give it a depth of flavor,” she explains. “It’s like when you eat it in our restaurant, you will think that it’s your mom’s cooking.”

Each serving good for two to three diners cost Php190.

Bennek and Bildat 

Though Mrs. Baker’s offers a variety of food, from pizzas to cakes, the Nueva Vizcaya-based restaurant still serves food locals love to enjoy.

“There’s always a touch of Vizcaya in everything we serve,” Damasco says.

Native clams like bennek and bildat, for instance, are available when both are in season. Damasco and the rest of the team cooks the clams in two ways: kinilaw or raw with vinegar-based dressing, much like a Latin American ceviche, and inuram or cooked over fire.

These freshwater clams are part of what the restaurant calls the Chef’s Table, a fine dining service featuring a custom menu. The rates differ for every Chef’s Table, so it’s best to ask the staff ahead of time through their Facebook page or landline at (078) 805 3500.

Tubikoy

Who would’ve thought that combining three native delicacies is a good idea? Apparently, the people of Diffun in Quirino did.

Putting together tupig, bibingka, and tikoy, the result is tubikoy. It’s made out of flour, ground glutinous rice, brown sugar, margarine, coconut, milk, and cheese. The result is a unique rice cake that’s just as delightful as the three delicacies individually.

A box of tubikoy retails for Php 65.

Chicharabao

Believe it or not, carabao skin, just like pork skin, can be fried into chicharon goodness. Instead of curling into crunchy morsels, fried carabao skin puffs into crisp and airy balls.

It’s enjoyable enough seasoned with salt and pepper. However, Lighthouse Cooperative, a local maker and seller of the snack, began offering it in three different flavors: garlic, onion and vinegar, and hot and spicy. It even gave its now well-known name, chicharabao, which is a portmanteau of chicharon and carabao.

Abundant in Tuguegarao and pasalubong centers all over the region, an 80-gram pack of any flavor retails for Php 40.

_

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operator in Region 2:

• Isabela
  Pink Diamond International Travel and Tours
  pinkdiamondinternational@yahoo.com; http://pinkdiamondinternational.weebly.com/
• Quirino
  Explore Quirino Travel and Tours
  0916 635 9978; http://www.explorequirino.com/
• Nueva Vizcaya
  Travelesque Tours 
  book@travelesquetours.com; http://travelesqueph.wordpress.com/

Travel safely!
All tourist destinations in Cagayan Valley have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regular handwashing, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post All the Must-Try Food When in Region 2 appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

When you’re visiting Isabela, make sure to stop by these tourist spots:

Stay here:

Zen Hotel
Maharlika Highway, Villasis, Santiago

Zen Hotel is the first three-star hotel In Isabela and Cagayan. The hotel offers 54 rooms with your standard amenities and facilities, which are a welcome treat after a long day of exploring the province.

Make sure to check out the spread at Zen Restaurant, with a diverse menu that covers Filipino, Chinese, and western cuisine.

Try local classics like crispy pork binagoongan (pork cooked in shrimp paste), beef kare kare (beef stew in peanut sauce), and chicken and pork adobo (chicken and pork cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaves, and black peppercorns).

The Chinese menu is just as varied, with favorites like pancit (noodles), congee, and dim sum. For something a little more international, there’s the baby back ribs, fish and chips, chicken enchilada, and a range of pasta dishes.

To book a room, contact Zen Hotel at +63 917 871 6955 / +63 917 877 3744 / +63 933 857 6225 / +63 (078) 305 2351 or at zenhotelisabela@gmail.com.

Mango Suites
City Road, Brgy. Calao East, Santiago / Quezon Street, Brgy. District 1, Cauayan

You can choose between two Mango Suites locations depending on your itinerary. One is in Santiago, while the other is in Cauayan. Both are situated right in the heart of the city, making it accessible to establishments like banks, restaurants, drugstores, and hospitals.

Mango Suites is a boutique hotel. This means fewer rooms, but this gives the staff the opportunity to provide what they call sincere yet enthusiastic service to its guests. The Santiago hotel has 50 rooms with modern facilities, while the Cauayan branch has 90.

The rooms can fit solo travelers, pairs, and groups of friends. Its Triple Sharing room is designed for three people with solo beds.

To book a room at Mango Suites Santiago, contact the hotel at +63 916 582 1956 / +63 943 137 3106 / +63 078-305-4233 or at mango.suites10@gmail.com.

To book a room at Mango Suites Cauayan, contact the hotel at +63 977 699 9120 / +63 928 722 8412 / +63 (078) 325 8529 or at mangosuitescauayan@yahoo.com.

Day 1:

Bretania Organic Food Products
Purok 7, Barangay Bannawag Norte, Santiago

Bretania Organic Food Products is known for its patupat, a rice cake wrapped in buri (palm) or coconut leaves and cooked in sugarcane juice overnight until it thickens. They have been making it since 2006 and tourists from Manila, other provinces, and even abroad buy it as pasalubong (souvenir).

Gonzaga Farm
Villa Gonzaga, Santiago

The farm started in 1997 when Engr. Claudio Gonzaga retired in the Philippines after being based in New York City in the US.

The 2.4-hectare farm began as a simple plot of land planting calamansi (Philippine lime), pomelo, honeydew, and other produce. Their harvest soon expanded to lettuce, eggplant, okra (ladies’ fingers), alugbati (malabar spinach), kale, arugula, and more. Even then, the farm has practiced organic methods since Engr. Claudio wanted a healthy lifestyle and a nutritious diet.

Today, their sun-roasted peanuts cooked in sand are popular, with a 125g bag selling for just PHP 50 (USD 0.99). A kilo of these coveted peanuts costs just PHP 300 (USD 5.92). Other crowd-pleasers are their homemade salad dressing, which uses olive oil, honey or muscovado sugar, organic apple cider, crushed basil leaves, powdered black pepper, and salt. There are plans to produce pomelo wine.

Guests are free to enter Gonzaga Farm.

Dariuk Hills
Barangay Balintocatoc, Santiago

Religious devotees will enjoy the life-sized Stations of the Cross at Dariuk Hills. The pilgrimage begins at the foot of the hill, and guests must climb up to follow the journey Jesus Christ took to his crucifixion.

At the summit is the Church of Transfiguration, which offers a view of the surrounding flatlands. A useful tip is to go in the morning since the Shrine of Our Lady La Salette and the viewing deck are strategically placed to face the sunrise.

Dariuk Hills is open to visitors free of charge all week long from 7 AM to 6 PM.

Balay na Santiago
Melegrito Street, Santiago

Balay na Santiago is a barangay hall (the smallest administrative division in the Philippines) that was transformed into a museum showcasing the city’s genteel past.

The structure itself is also a sight to behold. It is built like a bahay na bato (house of stone), an architectural style that dates back to the Spanish colonial period. It was associated with affluent families with stature in society.

Inside, guests are transported back in time as the museum recreated the home of Santiaguenos from the past. The living and dining rooms are decorated with antique furniture, religious items, and bulol (demigods carved in wood). A four-poster bed, a rocking chair, and a dresser stand guard in the bedroom.

Guests are free to enter Balay na Santiago daily from 8 AM to 12 NN and 1:30 PM to 5 PM.

Day 2:

Mangi Food Hauz
Pan-Philippine Highway, Ilagan

Mangi Food Hauz showcases the different ways you can eat corn. This isn’t surprising as Isabela is known as the corn country of the Philippines. Here, you can try snacks like corn coffee and pastillas (a milk-based confection). Corn coffee tastes just like a regular cup of joe except it has no caffeine.

Another must-try at Mangi Food Hauz is the inatata, a type of kakanin wrapped in banana leaves and steamed for five minutes.

Bonifacio Park
Pan-Philippine Highway, Ilagan

Start your second day in Isabela with a quiet morning at Bonifacio Park. Enjoy a cup of coffee and breathe in the air at this park, and take in the view of the giant butaca.

A butaca is an armchair in Ilagan that symbolizes the “ipabalem” or the feel-at-home hospitality of Ilagueños.

The municipal government commissioned a giant one measuring 11.4 feet high, 20.8 feet long, and 9.7 feet wide. Fifty craftsmen from Alinguigan, dubbed the furniture capital of the Cagayan Valley, created this armchair, using narra wood and rattan. It was built in 29 days.

Ilagan Japanese Tunnel
Barangay Sto. Tomas, Ilagan

The Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is a man-made passageway discovered under the city. It spans 40 meters in length and 3.66 meters in height, and it is theorized that it connects to other tunnels found around Ilagan.

The tunnel was used by the Japanese during World War II as headquarters. Today, guests can explore the space and see memorabilia such as guns, swords, and bombs up close.

The area around the tunnel has been revamped into a picturesque park. Tourists can rent a kimono and women can have their hair done like the Japanese. They can take photos at the Japanese bridge, the koi pond, and the kamikaze plane. A food court serving Japanese fare is available for refreshments. Furin bells, which are said to grant wishes, can be purchased and hung on a fence.

The Ilagan Japanese Tunnel is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, with a PHP 50 (USD 0.99) entrance fee. This comes with a free tour.

Ilagan Sanctuary
Jct National-Sta Victoria Road, Ilagan

Ilagan Sanctuary is touted as an all-in-one nature park and for good reason: it has almost every ecotourism activity imaginable.

For starters, there’s hiking, swimming, kayaking, boating, wall climbing, rappelling, horseback and ATV riding, biking, and ziplining. The zipline, which is 700-feet high, is said to be the fastest in the Philippines. Just how fast? Imagine traveling 350-meters in less than a minute.

As the name suggests, the nature park is also a sanctuary for people, animals, and plant life. A zoo called Animal Kingdom cares for tigers, wild boars, monkeys, crocodiles, and a 120-kilogram reticulated python. There is also an aviary filled with different species of birds. A treetop adventure involves a hanging bridge surrounded by endemic trees.

Guests who want a relaxing stay can hike to Pinzal Falls and enjoy a picnic there. They can also ride a swan boat in the man-made lake. The Prayer Mountain is a peaceful retreat, with a church for Catholics, a mosque for Muslims, and a temple for Chinese Buddhists. Those who feel like a day trip isn’t enough can book any of the cottages for an overnight stay.

The 200-hectare space, which is part of the protected 819-hectare Fuyot Springs National Park, is so big that there’s a train that goes around the property. There’s also a cable car that can transport guests to a viewing deck that offers a glimpse of Ilagan.

Guests can visit Ilagan Sanctuary and pay PHP 100 (USD 2) for locals and PHP75 (USD 1.50) for visitors as the entrance fee. Tour packages are available. Make sure to contact and book a visit via the City of Ilagan Tourist Information and Assistance Center ahead of time.

Day 3:

Francing’s
015 Arrellano Street, Tol Village Saranay, Cabatuan

Francing’s has been making moriecos for more than 30 years. Moriecos is a type of kakanin (rice cake) wrapped in fresh banana leaf and made with galapong, or ground glutinous rice mixed with water, and stuffed with latik (caramelized coconut syrup).

Bonsai Forest
Dinapigue

This forest is filled with bonsai formations ranging from a foot high to seven feet tall. Estimates say that the forest ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 hectares.

Blue Lagoon
Palanan

The Blue Lagoon is an inviting spot where you can take a dip in its cool waters. As its name suggests, the lagoon’s water is blue, and there is a myth that this is due to the fairies that bathe here.

Human tourists are free to bathe here, too, along with the freshwater fishes that are occasionally found.

Crocodile Sanctuary
San Mariano

The sanctuary is home to the Philippine crocodile, a critically endangered species and considered to be the most threatened crocodile in the world.

Baby crocodiles are gathered at the rearing station and raised in holding tanks. They are transferred to enclosures when they grow bigger and are then released into the wild.

Here, guests can handle crocodile hatchlings, with the supervision of caretakers.

Travel Safely!

Tourist destinations in Isabela are ready for local travelers! Guests are required to wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and regularly wash hands before dining in. These places have sanitary and contact tracing procedures such as registration and temperature check at the reception and using alcohol to sanitize hands before entering the premises. To know more about Isabela, visit provinceofisabela.ph/.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

Outsource the Planning

For a seamless trip, you may leave the planning to DOT’s accredited tour operator in Isabela:

Pink Diamond International Travel and Tours
pinkdiamondinternational@yahoo.com; http://pinkdiamondinternational.weebly.com/

The post Ultimate Guide to Isabela appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.

One of its cities—Santiago—is strategically located between the southwestern part of the province and the northwestern boundary of Quirino. This easily makes it a gateway to the vast plains of Cagayan Valley, and one of the trading centers of the region and the province. 

“The city has always been a melting pot in terms of trade,” says Tiolo Valdez, project development specialist at Santiago City local government’s City Information, Culture and the Arts, and Tourism Office. “Despite this, there has never been a tourist destination the city was known for.”

This was how the idea of establishing Dariuk Hills was born. 

Situated in three of the city’s unnamed, lightly forested hills, which are the highest points of the city, the area was first developed in the late 1990s. Further developments were made in the following years. 

Today, the locals commonly refer to it as the “Sacred Mountain” because of its features. 

Stations of the Cross

Dariuk Hills is home to 14 life-size Stations of the Cross. 

The figures depicting Jesus Christ on the day of his crucifixion are placed from the foot of the hill. Going from one station to another involves a light trek. 

“These stations are the reason why so many visitors come here during the Holy Week,” Valdez says. “Roman Catholics say their prayers and commemorate the suffering of the Lord here.” 

Transfiguration Chapel

The Stations of the Cross lead to the Transfiguration Chapel, a small 50-seater chapel. 

Unlike typical churches, masses are held during special occasions only. 

“For instance, we hold a mass here when we are launching our festival,” Caldez shares. “This happens when we celebrate Santiago City’s Balamban Dance Festival.”

Happening every month of May, the festival features a cultural dance of lowland Christians that originated in Santiago. The dance depicts the graceful movement and fluttering of butterflies, which is what Balamban means. 

For private individuals who wish to use the chapel as a wedding venue, Valdez says the local government allows it—free of charge—upon approval of request via a letter. 

Shrine of Our Lady La Salette

Outside the chapel, visitors can see the shrine of Our Lady of La Salette. The Transfiguration Chapel was built in her honor.

“You will notice that the Our Lady of La Salette Shrine faces the east,” Valdez points out. “That’s because it’s where the sun rises.” 

From the five-foot-tall shrine, visitors can enjoy panoramic and unobstructed views of Santiago City.

Other activities

Pre-pandemic, Dariuk Hills is the venue of numerous events here. 

“The Scout Jamboree was held here,” Valdes says. “They usually stay in the camping areas.”

These camping areas are wide clearings where visitors can freely set up their tents. 

For families who come visit Dariuk Hills, it’s an ideal venue for a picnic.

Health-conscious locals, meanwhile, come for a jog—made more challenging through the area’s steep, winding roads. Others hold quick zumba sessions, while others simply  go on a walk to relax. 

Rules to follow

Dariuk Hills, which opens as early as 4 AM, does not charge visitors any entrance fee. 

The Santiago City local government’s only requirement is to keep the place at its best natural state. 

“Visitors are not supposed to leave their trash here,” Valdez says. “Since this is a public area, liquor, as well as speakers and loud music are not allowed, too.”

To keep watch, a number of staff from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office regularly make rounds in the premises. 

Future plans

Apart from maintenance, improving Dariuk Hills is in the works. 

A currently-closed butterfly sanctuary, for instance, is set to be redeveloped.

But the bigger plan is this—building an ecopark. Valdes says their team has visited ecotourism destinations and has attended webinars on the subject in preparation for the project. 

“Part of the tourism development plan is to turn it into a modern theme park,” Valdez shares. “The theme will center on Dariuk Hills’ best feature—nature.” 

Travel safely!

All tourist destinations in Isabela have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regular handwashing, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel or the Google Playstore.

The post Take A Breather at Dariuk Hills, Isabela’s Nature Retreat appeared first on 7641 Islands of the Philippines.